糖心原创

Image of a small plant growing through a crack in the pavement

Havanah Virtue-James, fourth-year dietetic student  

This blog is about emotional resilience and how it can support us in the workplace when recognised and used as an important employability skill that is often overlooked.   

What We Really Mean by Emotional Resilience 

Emotional resilience is often described as the ability to adapt to stressful situations, manage difficult emotions and continue moving forward from challenging moments. It does not mean pretending everything is okay and never feeling overwhelmed but instead learning to cope, recover and grow through difficult times.  

I strongly believe emotional resilience is one of the most important yet overlooked skills in the workplace. Whether in healthcare, education, retail or corporate settings, employees are constantly managing pressure, expectations, deadlines, and emotionally demanding situations.  

Without emotional resilience, it can become easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, drained or doubtful of our own abilities.    

Where This Was Tested in Practice 

From my own experience, this skill was tested several times during clinical placement, where the environment can be mentally and emotionally demanding.   

As responsibilities increased and caseloads became heavier, I started doubting my ability to perform well in certain situations. One of my biggest mistakes was trying to become too independent instead of continuing to ask for support. I avoided asking questions because I worried about appearing incapable. I already knew deep down that asking for help is not a weakness but my emotions got the best of me.   

I even compared my knowledge and abilities as a student to my supervisors, who were registered professionals with years of practice behind them. Looking back, it sounds unrealistic, but at the time it generally affected my confidence.   

Unfortunately the pressure also affected my wellbeing. I experienced low energy, poor sleep, reduced appetite and emotional exhaustion which made it harder to cope and recover from.     

Why Employers Value Emotional Intelligence  

One thing I am truly grateful for is having a strong support system around me and recognising when I needed help. Speaking to supervisors, my mentor, disability support advisor, counsellor and others had a hugely positive effect on my confidence, motivation and self-awareness.   

During placements and work experiences, it can be easy for interns or students to fall into the habit of trying to appear completely independent (or competent) – hiding emotions, struggling in silence, and putting on a “strong” performance because we assume that is expected of us.   

However, emotional intelligence is about being self-aware, recognising when we are struggling, and knowing when to seek support.    

From my experience, supervisors, mentors, and tutors generally appreciate when students reach out for guidance or reassurance. It shows honesty, professionalism, our willingness to learn and self-awareness – qualities employers highly value!    

Practical Ways to Improve Emotional Resilience  

1. Ask for HELP when you are uncertain or curious  

2. Don’t be afraid to FAIL 

3. Make time to SELF-REFLECT  

4. Avoid COMPARING yourself to others 

5. Build CONNECTIONS and network with others  

6. Prioritise SELF-CARE  

7. Know your career GOALS and ASPIRATIONS  

8. Recognise your STRENGTHS and WEAKNESSES 

9. Identify your AREAS OF INTEREST  

10. Be KIND to yourself 

11. Take time to REST when needed 

Remember! self-growth takes time, it’s your own journey and you are more capable than you think.  

For more information on ways to improve emotional resilience check out our article about Building career resilience